Santos looking to guide Greece to semis

Portuguese coach hoping to pull off shock of the tournament

Portugal’s involvement in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 did not end after last night’s victory over the Czech Republic, with Portuguese coach Fernando Santos looking to guide his Greece team past Germany today in a bid to join his fellow countrymen in the semi-finals.

Greece have never beaten Germany in an international fixture, and with Joachim Löw’s side setting the pace so far this tournament Santos is under no illusions as to the size of his task:

“Of course we are well aware of the quality that Germany have. Let’s not forget that they are not just favourites for this game, but for winning the whole thing. But we have not just come here for a holiday. If you want to compare it to David and Goliath then I am happy to play the role of David, because we all know who won.”

Greece are no strangers to upsetting the odds after getting all the way to the final in 2004, where they beat the hosts Portugal. Ironically their coach during that tournament was the German Otto Rehhagel, and Santos is keen to take inspiration from his exploits eight years ago in order to overcome today’s opponents:

“For us the motivation is the saga of 2004. Although they were written off before the tournament they managed to reach the final and win the cup. We would like to try and use this squad as a source of inspiration to try and do the same, or at least come as close as we can. This is a knock-out game and anything can happen in ninety minutes. Every game is like a final now.”

Greece secured their place in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Russia, dumping out the team who were much-fancied to win Group A. If they are to provide a similar upset tonight however they will have to do so without their captain and last weekend’s match-winner Giorgos Karagounis who is suspended after picking up two yellow cards during the group stage.

His absence will certainly provide Santos with a headache as he tries to mastermind one of the most unlikely victories in European Championship history, but the 57-year-old admitted that he can always rely on one particular vice to help relieve the pressures of the job:

“I have to try and find the right options and tactics, and when I smoke I find that I have more time to reflect. Perhaps now you understand why I smoke so much!"

Santos already had five years experience of coaching in Greece before taking the job as national boss, having enjoyed two spells at AEK Athens as well as stints with Panathinaikos and PAOK. In 2010 he was named the best coach of the decade by the Greek Football League, but Santos is keen to ensure that his achievements do not stop there:

“The other seven coaches left at this tournament will all have imagined winning the final. I am just the same. If I hadn’t I may as well quit and go fishing.”

After accepting the offer to manage Greece two years ago Santos announced that this would be his last job in football. If he manages to reel in the biggest fish left in the pond tonight then it would without doubt go down as the greatest achievement of his career.